English District of
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
| |
Living Our Baptized Life in Christ
Galatians 2:20
| | Ordination and Installation | | | Rev. Glenn Mertz was recently ordained and installed at Grace Lutheran Church, Elyria, OH. Bishop Jeff Miskus and Rev. Robert Weldon officiated. | | Rev. Samuel Bobby (back row, center) was recently installed at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Lincoln, NE. Bishop Jeff Miskus officiated the worship service, which was followed by a well-attended luncheon. | | |
While visiting Redeemer Lutheran Church, Bishop Jeff Miskus presented
Rev. Dr. James Hoke Jr. with his 45-year jubilarian recognition certificate.
| | |
Call Accepted
Commissioned Minister Candidate Ms. Aubrey E. Rathke has accepted the Divine Call to serve as Director of Christian Education of Christ the Shepherd, Alpharetta, GA.
Call Received
Mr. Steven R. Wilson (DCE, Michigan District) has received a Divine Call to serve as Director of NextGen Ministries of Hales Corners, Hales Corners, WI.
The Rev. Daniel K. Greg has received a Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of Zion, Bensenville, IL (Northern Illinois District).
Calls Returned
The Rev. Andrew C. Mussell (Minnesota South District) has returned the Divine Call to serve as Sole Pastor of First, Kingsville, ON, Canada.
The Rev. Daniel K. Greg has returned the Divine Call to serve as Associate Pastor of University Lutheran, West Lafayette, IN (Indiana District).
The Rev. Dr. Michael D. Scheer has returned the Divine Call to serve as Manager, School Ministry for the Office of National Mission of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, St. Louis, MO (Missouri District).
The Rev. Chad A. Kogutkiewicz has returned the Divine Call to serve as Associate Pastor of Grace, Pocatello, ID (Northwest District).
| | |
Rev. Dr. Keith L. Johnson, Emeritus
August 25, 1939 to July 6, 2025
The Rev. Dr. Keith L. Johnson, Emeritus, was called to glory on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Muskego, WI. During his pastoral ministry, Pastor Johnson served Trinity, Hartford, SD; First, Parker, SD; St. John, Wolsey, SD; Concordia, Wessington, SD; St. Paul, Foley, AL; and Hales Corners, Hales Corners, WI. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia (nee Vandor) and their three children, Carolyn, Brian, and Jennifer. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, at Hales Corners Lutheran Church, 12300 W. Janesville Rd., Hales Corners, WI 53130-2350, and the funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM.
Please keep the Johnson family in your prayers.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.” Psalm 116:15
Read Obituary: Rev. Dr. Keith L. Johnson
| | |
Rev. Steven J. Duescher is the recipient of the 2025 Roger D. Pittelko Award. He has exemplified his love for the church throughout a lifetime of service and ministry.
Read Rev. Duescher's bio here.
| | The Lumen Christi Award is presented to publicly recognize the service of educators, to further promote and encourage all professional and volunteer leaders/teachers who are active members of an English District LCMS congregation. | | |
Professional Staff
Mrs. Katie Brech
Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
Faith Lutheran School
Tucson, Arizona
Mrs. Brech is described as "exemplifying the love of Christ for the children in the congregation as well as the students at the school. She works tirelessly every day, and the results of her hard work are a robust and thriving youth community at church. The children all love her and know that she loves them dearly..."
We pray for God's continued blessings on Mrs. Brech and her teaching efforts.
| | |
Congregational Volunteer Educator
Mrs. Barbara Kolb
Grace Lutheran Church
Wyoming, Michigan
Mrs. Kolb "openly shares her faith and trust in God through her teaching and personal testimony. She has been living an example of God's grace, showing others how faith can sustain them through life's most challenging moments."
We give thanks for her volunteerism and the impact she has on others by sharing His grace.
| | Mission Grant Application | | | |
The 2026-2027 English District LCMS Mission Grant Application process is now underway. By conferring mission grants, the English District seeks to help its members abound in good works that accomplish its various objectives by providing community ministries, revitalizing existing congregations, assisting ministries in communities that are changing, and more.
Click here to download the Mission Grant application. The deadline to apply is July 25, 2025.
| | 1-1-1 Dollar for Missions | | | Click here for more information on 1-1-1 , including graphics, videos, and ministries that have received 1-1-1 support. | | Congregations Needed for Pilot Project | | | |
In September, the LCMS will launch a program designed to help congregational lay leaders create a supportive and caring environment that will improve the well-being of those who serve the church. LCMS Worker Wellness is asking for congregations that are interested in participating in this pilot project to fill out the questions by July 15. More information will be provided in August.
Healthy church workers carry out their vocations with more energy and joy. When the church supports its workers, the whole Body of Christ is blessed. As Christ has promised: “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (Matt. 25:40).
Click here to complete the questionnaire by Tuesday, July 15th. Email for more information or if you have any questions.
| | |
We pray for Rev. Joel Baseley (Michigan District) for a swift and comfortable recovery from recent health concerns.
We pray for congregations experiencing conflict that God may provide guidance and healing.
District daily prayers for August 2025 are located on our website.
Your prayer concerns are important to the English District. If you have a prayer request you would like shared in this newsletter, email the district office.
| | |
Click here to view the English District's 2025 Convention videos on our YouTube channel.
Below are additional photos taken by Convention photographer Kathy Arnold.
| | Contact John Hoover, LCEF Vice President, by email or phone 314-276-3370 for more information. | | Lutheran Federal Credit Union | | | For more information, please contact our Operations Department at 314-394-2790. | | |
Faith, Overgaard, AZ
Faith Lutheran Church recently hosted an AZOSA (Arizona Origins Science Association) event featuring Dr. Jobe Martin from Biblical Discipleship Ministries.
| | |
Chapel of the Cross, Mission Hills, CA
Members of Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church extended a warm welcome to Liam, Albert, and Jariannys as they joined the Chapel of the Cross community, following their baptism and confirmation. These ceremonies were officiated by Pastor Manuel De La Rosa.
| | |
Trinity, Erie, PA
Members of Trinity Lutheran Church recently honored their organist, Linda Federici, of over 50 years of continual service to the congregation.
Linda joined Trinity at the age of 17 and has been the church organist there continually for 50 years. In addition to serving as the church organist, she has also directed the choir for 30 years. The congregation shared a meal together following the morning service, choir members presented a humorous musical skit, the entire choir sang a personalized song of appreciation, Linda shared some memories and thoughts of thankfulness and Pastor Travis Schmidt closed in prayer.
| | |
Congregation members shared the following:
"Linda has shared her amazing talent with this congregation with excellence week after week, with a loyal and generous attitude and with impeccable organization. Over the years, she has adapted to multiple pastors with different styles and has covered them all for smooth transitions. She has so faithfully and humbly provided the graceful gift of song, fulfilling her calling from God to this congregation for five decades and continues to do so. Linda serves with energy and finds passion in her work and truly makes I Peter 4:10-11 come alive."
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God… whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
| | |
Continuing Education Opportunity:
Redeemer - Ventura, IA
| | | |
Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ventura, IA, will host a continuing education course from July 22 to 24. Dr. David Petersen will lead a study entitled "Twenty-First Century Preaching: Gleaning Method—Luther, Gerhard, Walther." This class will examine Johann Gerhard’s methodology for preaching, as well as that of early Missouri, comparing these approaches to classical rhetorical training as encapsulated in Cicero and Josef Pieper's Homiletics. The course will also review some of Luther’s and Walther’s sermons to analyze how they align with this pattern.
Redeemer Lutheran Church is located at 301 S. Main St. Ventura, IA, 50482.
To register, email Rev. Jesse Burns or call (712) 260-1070.
| | |
Join Lutheran Summer Music for our 43rd season at Valparaiso University, June 22–July 20! Can’t attend in person? Experience over 30 inspiring concerts, recitals, and worship services online through Live from LSM.
Highlights include the beloved Bach Cantata Eucharist, the Festival of Hymns, the debut Faculty Organ Recital, and Festival Week performances by the Festival Band, Orchestra, and Choir.
Explore the full schedule and tune in here. All events are free and available to stream live or on demand. Don’t miss this transformative celebration of music, faith, and community!
| | |
Please share the information from Servant to Servant with members of your congregation.
- All are invited to subscribe to this weekly publication.
- Forward the newsletter to members of your church.
- They can subscribe by clicking on the "Sign up for our emails" link at the bottom.
Thanks for spreading the word!
| |  | |
Please share the unique ministries of your school or congregation with the rest of the English District. Send pictures and stories for consideration to llinthicum@englishdistrict.org by Wednesday at 12:00 noon ET.
We want to see how YOUR congregation or school is showing the love of God to those in your community and around the world.
| | |
If you'd like to share our emails, please forward
using your email's forwarding option.
| | | | |
